Archive for August, 2013

Even though the unemployment rate continues a gradual improvement, the labor force participation rate has been steadily declining since 2007. This means that a much of the decrease in unemployment comes from people who are no longer looking for work and thus are no longer part of the labor force. This is hugely problematic and continues to worsen.

Some of the biggest middle-income careers have been losing jobs since 2010, while those at the top and bottom of the pay scale have been increasing. In particular, teaching and construction have declined by more than 150,000 combined the past few years while low-wage, low-skill positions like food preparation and personal care have greatly increased.

Solar power is a focus of US military research and numerous market expansions and the technology is rapidly advancing. From the article: “We believe the solar sector is at an inflection point,” says Vishal Shah from Deutsche Bank. “It has passed the tipping point for grid parity in 10 major markets worldwide.”